Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon Super S: Zenin Sanka!! Shuyaku Sōdatsusen builds on classic 2D fighting conventions while infusing the distinct magical flair of the Sailor Moon universe. Players can choose from an expanded roster of Sailor Guardians—each sporting unique physical attacks and dazzling magical spells. Combos and special moves are tied to intuitive button inputs, making it accessible for newcomers yet offering enough depth for seasoned fighters to string flashy attack chains.

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Story mode introduces an RPG-like progression system that lets you upgrade your chosen Guardian’s attributes—strength, defense power, agility, and magic potency. This adds a layer of strategy: do you boost attack to deal heavy damage quickly, or invest in defense and agility to outlast tougher foes? These decisions carry over into other modes, creating a meaningful sense of growth as you tackle the game’s multiple chapters and challenges.

In addition to story mode, tournament mode pits you against CPU-controlled Sailor Fighters in a ladder system, while Player-vs.-Computer and two-player versus modes deliver straightforward head-to-head battles. With the newly added backgrounds and expanded character roster under the “Zenin Sanka” banner, each match feels fresh. Although it lacks an online component, local two-player matches are fast-paced and surprisingly balanced for a late-era Super Famicom title.

Graphics

Graphically, the game shines with bright, colorful sprites that capture the essence of Naoko Takeuchi’s character designs. Each Sailor Guardian is faithfully rendered with her signature costume details—Sailor Moon’s flowing pigtails, Sailor Mercury’s watery effects, and the varied color palettes of the newcomers all pop against the Super Famicom’s rich yet limited hardware palette.

Battle backgrounds are diverse and thematically linked to the story mode’s settings. From moonlit rooftops to cosmic palace halls, the backgrounds employ parallax scrolling and subtle animations—sparkling stars, shifting lights—to enhance immersion. The additional stages in this Super S expansion add visual variety, ensuring players don’t tire of repeating the same arenas.

Character animations strike a nice balance between fluidity and readability. Special attacks, like Sailor Mars’s fiery volleys or Sailor Jupiter’s lightning strikes, are accompanied by impactful flashes and screen-shake effects. While the frame rate occasionally dips in crowded moments, the overall presentation remains impressively smooth for an mid-’90s fighting game adaptation.

Story

The narrative follows the familiar arc of the manga and anime, centering on Tsukino Usagi’s transformation into Sailor Moon and the formation of the Pretty Sailor Fighters. The evil Queen Beryl and Prince Diamond frame the larger conflict, giving each fight a narrative stake that resonates with fans of the franchise. Brief cutscenes between battles flesh out character motivations and friendships, reminding players why these teenage heroes matter.

Story mode is structured as a series of one-on-one encounters, with each Guardian facing foes tied to their personal journey. Occasional branching choices—whether to challenge a rival or pursue a specific villain—add replay value, encouraging multiple playthroughs to see alternate dialogue and endings. Although the text is confined to Japanese, the plot beats are visually clear, making it approachable even for those who don’t read the language fluently.

The “Zenin Sanka” expansion introduces new scenarios where additional characters step into the spotlight. Seeing secondary Guardians like Sailor Uranus and Neptune in story mode battles gives the campaign greater scope. These added scenes don’t alter the core plot but expand the universe and reward dedicated players with a more complete Sailor Moon experience.

Overall Experience

Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon Super S: Zenin Sanka!! Shuyaku Sōdatsusen delivers a colorful, character-driven fighting game experience that will particularly appeal to Sailor Moon enthusiasts. The blend of straightforward controls, attribute customization, and a roster brimming with beloved heroines makes it a standout among anime-based fighters on the Super Famicom.

Despite its lack of online play and occasional slowdown during intensive onscreen effects, the game holds up thanks to its solid mechanics and fan-focused content. Local versus matches remain engaging, and the attribute upgrade system in story mode adds enough depth to keep players invested. Longtime collectors and retro fighting game fans will find plenty to enjoy.

Ultimately, this expanded version of Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon S: Jougai Ranto!? Shuyaku Sōdatsusen is a must-have for those seeking nostalgia and a lighthearted, strategy-infused fighter. Its faithful art style, varied game modes, and the charm of the Sailor Guardians combine to create a memorable retro experience that does justice to the magical world of Sailor Moon.

Retro Replay Score

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